We all try to look our best.

Whether we consider ourselves fashionable or not is irrelevant, as almost everyone has some sort of clothing items they take pride in, as well as articles we’ve been eying.

And while a lot of us might think that going after the clothes we want is an expensive task, it doesn’t have to be. In fact, with a little bit research and hard work, you could actually walk away saving more than you had before. Here’s how:

Utilize Special Events

One of the best ways to build up your wardrobe is to take advantage of the special events that you’re invited to. Some examples like going to a wedding or taking a hiking trip, can be an excellent excuse to splurge on some extra necessities; and as LoveProm notes, with weddings and whatnot moving online, there’s a good chance you can find some serious savings there as well.

Go After Quality, Not Quantity

Perhaps one of the biggest mistakes people make in building their closet is by going after the inexpensive items that follow trends rather than constructing a foundation of timeless pieces. For example, a staple item every man should have is a solid pair of shoes or boots, which can last for ten, twenty, even thirty years with the right purchase. And while the upfront cost will be more, the value of these will be well-worth it in the long run. In terms of where to get started, I highly recommend Taft, which has reasonable, entry-level prices while remaining consistent with quality across the board.

Know Your Exact Size

A big way to save on the items you’ll love is knowing how exactly they’ll fit you before you even try them on. While that sounds like a lofty task, as wedding dress designer Azazie notes, it can actually be much simpler than you think. Take a glance at their guide for a good cursor on how to get started, as you’ll be able to eyeball what something will look like on you in no time.

Get Thrifty With It

Believe it or not, there are most likely some absolute gems at your local thrift store right now. What most consider overlooked, outdated clothes has actually turned into a booming industry, one that the National Association for Resale Professionals estimates is worth around $17 billion. While it will take a little digging, knowing how to make your way around a Goodwill or second-hand shop can produce some serious treasured pieces.

Look Out For Sales

If there’s one thing the fashion industry does its best at, it’s the art of the discount sale. After all, whether an item is going out of style or not is arbitrary, with the real gifts coming from those pieces you’ve been eying for awhile. For example, a plain Oxford shirt or black pair of jeans are items that will never go out of style, and ones that you can take advantage of under major savings. Because as RetailMeNot notes, with 96% of Americans utilizing coupons, there are bound to be plenty of them out there to help you save.

Don’t Be Afraid Of Subscription Services

Despite some of them having high price tags, a subscription service actually isn’t a bad way to save on some necessities, like socks and underwear. As noted by Forbes, fashion accounts for 16% of the total number of subscription boxes, which gives you plenty of options to choose from in this multi-billion dollar industry. Plus, with so many of these startups competing for your dollar, the variations of products and curations can most likely be curtailed to your liking.

Hand Me Downs Aren’t Always Bad

While it sometimes gets a negative stigma, there’s nothing wrong with getting clothes from a friend or family member. As you’re the only one that can define your style, it’s important to go with your gut sometimes, and wear what you feel confident in. And if that just so happens to be a piece someone was willing to let go of to give to you, then you should feel thankful for that honor.

Check Out The Outlets

Finally, one of the best places to up your fashion game is at outlet malls, which have been booming in the past few years. According to a survey posted by Time, these are on average 30% cheaper than traditional retail stores, and quite often offer products not found anywhere else. Whether you’re looking for a statement piece or staple, these can be an excellent option to strike gold.

With so many creative ways to get new clothes without breaking the bank, what are some of your favorite methods? Comment with your answers below.

Categories: General